Wood around the Weald

The heavy clay of the Sussex Weald was a rich nurturing ground for the sturdy oaks that provided the charcoal for the iron industries of the Middle Ages. Wood is a durable building material and Horsham still retains many attractive timber-framed properties in the streets radiating from the Carfax.

The parish church is now mainly a mid-Victorian restoration although the tower dates from the 12th century. The original character of the interior is apparent in the impressive panelled wagon roof - with its oak beams, ribs and bosses. A Jacobean pew is in use as sedilia (priest’s seat) in the sanctuary while the Shelley Chapel has a painted ceiling.

Back towards the town centre, Causeway House - now the Museum - has a fine oak staircase.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

LATEST NEWS, RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & TIPS

Wood flooring ideas for your everyday dining room

The dining room is often a much loved room in your home that serves a variety of purposes, not just dining! Many people now use the dining room as a home office, somewhere for the kids to do their homework, and also as a relaxing space to sit and read. It's therefore important that your chosen flooring can meet these differing needs, and wood flooring is perfect for the job.

Engineered wood

Engineered wood is a good flooring option for the dining room, especially if you have young children who are prone to accidents. This type of flooring is more resistant to spills and can easily expand and contract to changes in temperature. The good news is that there are many finishes and shades to choose from, to match your dining room decor.

Parquet flooring

Parquet flooring is a fun choice for the dining room, as you can create your very own flooring pattern. Preparing and then laying a parquet floor really does need the specialist touch, with many floor sanding specialists offering a parquet floor sanding service with the use of specialist sanding machines.

Solid wood flooring

Solid wood flooring will always remain a popular choice in the dining room. Choose from glossy chocolate tones through to pale pines. What is really important to remember is that the floor needs to be well protected. Ideally the floor needs to be sanded with a dust free floor sanding machine to produce a professional finish, that can then have a stain and floor lacquer applied to protect the surface. Many floor sanding companies also offer a floor sanding and polishing service that is well worth the money.

Use your floorboards

If your dining room floorboards are in good condition, then why not use them? Sanding and sealing floorboards is incredibly important to ensure that they are safe to walk upon, that little toes and fingers will not get caught in any gaps, and that they provide a warm and stable floor surface. Sanding wooden floorboards does require the use of a dust free floor sanding machine, and for best results a specialist floor sanding company should be used.